Embracing Resilience: Lessons from WWII for Modern American Self-Sufficiency
During World War II, as an alternative to rationing, Americans planted victory gardens, in which they grew their own food. By 1945, some 20 million such gardens were in use and accounted for about 40 percent of all vegetables consumed in the United States.
During WWII, Americans worked together for the greater good, sharing resources, knowledge, and support. WWII was a period that demanded extraordinary resilience and adaptability from its citizens. The nation's collective effort to support the war effort and ensure community well-being was tremendous. As modern Americans, there is a lot we can learn from our ancestors of WWII.
During World War II, our nation asked Americans to conserve resources and contribute meaningfully to their own resiliency. A rationing system was implemented, and many Americans relied on their self-sufficiency to supplement their food supplies.
The "Victory Garden" movement, which encouraged citizens to grow their own food, was widespread, and along with gardens, many households also kept chickens and, to a lesser extent, other livestock like pigs and goats.
They were practically giving organ meats away! I’m glad liver is finally being recognized and given the respect it deserves. Thanks liver king.
Chickens were particularly popular due to their smaller space requirements and relatively easy upkeep. It was common for suburban and rural families to have a small flock of chickens. Larger livestock, like cattle, were less common in urban areas due to space and resource requirements but were more prevalent on rural homesteads.
Government programs also supported these efforts. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided guidelines and resources to help families start gardens and raise livestock, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency during wartime.
Before iPads children used to help their parents in the garden. Even if it was just mouth breathing all over the vegetables.
So, why did America move away from this model of self-sufficiency? And what was lost when doing so?
In the post-war era, the United States saw rapid industrialization and a burgeoning economy that led to the rise of consumer-driven markets and modern supermarkets. This shift made accessing various pre-packaged goods easier, reducing the need for individual food production. The convenience of mass-produced items supplanted the earlier emphasis on self-sufficiency, with homegrown skills in gardening, livestock, and food preservation diminishing.
As a culture of convenience took root, Americans traded some measure of security and preparedness for the allure of efficiency and ease provided by complex supply chains.
A modern American, super consumer. Heavily reliant on the just-in-time supply chains. Self destructs at the first sign of inconvenience.
This transition to a convenience-first mentality also fostered a societal belief in perpetual security and abundance, overshadowing the importance of preparedness and self-reliance. Over time, the reliance on just-in-time supply chains and global food sources has revealed vulnerabilities, particularly in times of crisis. Disruptions can lead to immediate shortages, highlighting that the convenience that once seemed to streamline life also made it more susceptible to unforeseen events.
Supply chains can be fragile, and history provides ample evidence of how they can be disrupted. Events like natural disasters, pandemics, cyber-attacks, and inflation can all lead to significant food and supply shortages.
The ongoing crisis in Venezuela is a stark example of such disruptions. Since 2016, the nation has suffered from extreme shortages and hunger caused by hyperinflation, misguided economic strategies, and political unrest. This has led to the breakdown of their food supply chain, echoing similar historical events where resource scarcity led to societal instability.
This savage wouldn’t sully his lips with pasteurized milk - find raw milk near you at realmilk.com
The empty shelves witnessed globally during the COVID-19 pandemic further remind us of these vulnerabilities and that we are not immune to supply chains failing. Learning from these events, it's clear that self-sufficiency and emergency plans are vital for stability and security.
There's much to learn about resilience and preparedness from the WWII generation. Their ability to adapt, conserve, and work collectively for the greater good is a blueprint for modern Americans. Embracing these values could enhance individual and community resilience in times of crisis.
Priorities.
Steps Towards resilience anyone can take:
Revive Victory Gardens: Growing even a small portion of one's food can reduce dependence on complex supply chains and foster a sense of pride. Practices such as permaculture allow you to create gardens abundant with food with minimal upkeep. This can be as easy as planting an apple tree in your suburban yard instead of an ornamental shrub from Asia.
Learn Preservation Skills, aka Stock up: Canning and preserving food, can ensure nothing is wasted from your garden or bulk food purchases. If you don’t want to preserve your own food, pick up a few extra non-perishables or meat for the freezer every time you go to the grocery store.
Support Local Food System: Strengthening local food systems can reduce the impact of global supply chain disruptions. Buy from local farms and farmers markets and eat what's in season. Supporting local producers now will ensure they're thriving when you need them.
Community Collaboration: Building strong community networks can provide crucial support during times of crisis. Get to know your neighbors, and you may be able to barter some of those apples from your tree for eggs from their chickens.
This child is much more helpful.
The lessons from our ancestors during World War II are clear: preparedness, self-sufficiency, and community collaboration are crucial to resilience in challenging times. By embracing these values, modern Americans can ensure they are ready to face future challenges.
Remember, the best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago, and the second-best time is today. Whether it's our garden, livestock, support for local farms, or relationships with our neighbors, the more engaged we are now, the better the outcomes will be later.
Two women talking about how bad ass they are for being so prepared.
Click this image to view a copy of an original Victory Gardens “How to,” put out by the USDA in January, 1943.
